E-cargo bikes can help environment as Green Hive takes delivery of a new bike and trailer
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A charity tasked with bringing environmental solutions to Nairnshire has taken delivery of a new e-cargo bike and trailer which will become part of their e-bike rental fleet — and hopes are high the idea could take off elsewhere when people see how it works.
Green Hive secured funding from The Rank Foundation,The Davidson Charitable Trust and the Highland Council to purchase the bike which will be available for hire when Covid restrictions are lifted.
Community projects officer Caroline Woods said the bike is great for transporting goods from door to door and is ideal for small businesses or individuals wanting to reduce their carbon footprint.
"It is excellent for avoiding traffic congestion for people wanting to commute and become tired of waiting in the long traffic queues.
"There are places in Nairnshire you have always wanted to visit but haven't been able to drive to and an e-cargo bike is the answer.
"Hopefully when people see it around the town it will encourage them to switch from petrol to pedal power."
She said the e-cargo bikes can range in cost from anything between £800 and £3000 and trailers cost up to £2000.
"But they are a sustainable way of moving goods around and help the environment at the same time. They're a perfect alternative to costly van and delivery services."
"The trailers can take a payload of up to 100kg and this one has already transported a cooker to our depot in Nairn."
Green Hive purchased its first e-cargo bike and trailer in 2020 and will be pioneering an e-bike rental service for businesses and local residents this year when restrictions are lifted.
With battery assisted cycling-e-bikers can now travel with ease.
In another initiative thanks to funding from Cycling Scotland, Green Hive are working together with Nairn BID and local cartographer Helen Stirling to create an active travel map of Nairn.
"Our map will be designed to help you take advantage of shortcuts in the town to cut down your travel time and carbon footprint, as well as showing accessibility information for walking, wheeling or cycling in the town and across Nairnshire," said Caroline.
Anyone interested in volunteering to map out Nairn's shortcuts and pathways or assist with co-ordinating e-bike bookings which Green Hive hope will grow in Nairn they can get in touch Caroline by email caroline@greenhive.co.uk
